Powerful quake in Hokkaido causes large amount of casualties
(VOVWORLD) - A powerful earthquake hit Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido killing at least eight people and injuring more than 120 others. The quake’s magnitude was measured at 6.7, reaching a magnitude of 7 in some areas.
 A 6.7-magnitude earthquake hits Japan's Hokkaido |
Aerial footage showed dozens of landslides exposing barren hillsides near the town of Atsuma in southern Hokkaido, with mounds of reddish earth and toppled trees piled up at the edge of green fields.
The collapsed remains of what appeared to be houses or barns were scattered about. The earthquake forced Hokkaido's main airport, New Chitose Airport, to close. More than 200 flights and 40,000 passengers were affected.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said 25,000 Self-Defense Force troops would be deployed for rescue operations.